Birch Hill Equity Partners is pleased to announce an investment in Distinction Group Inc.
Toronto, January 3, 2012 – Birch Hill Equity Partners announces that it has made an investment in Distinction Group Inc. (“GDI”). In connection with the transaction, GDI CEO Claude Bigras and Birch Hill will form a new partnership with Mr. Bigras and the existing management team of GDI owning approximately 24% of the resulting Corporation. GDI was taken private for total consideration of approximately $153 million.
“GDI has been pursuing an aggressive growth plan over the last several years, and have chosen Birch Hill as the partner that would best support our continued growth and goal of providing our customers with the most comprehensive suite of facility services coast to coast,” Mr. Bigras said. Mr. Bigras will continue as President and CEO of GDI, which will continue to be headquartered in Montreal. “I am proud of the growth our team has realized over the last few years, and very excited about our prospects for continued expansion with Birch Hill as our chosen financial partner,” Mr. Bigras said.
Montreal-based GDI is a Canadian leader in facility services industry, providing a range of industrial janitorial, mechanical maintenance and other services to the commercial real estate industry across the country.
“GDI is a Canadian success story with a proven management team. We look forward to working with Claude and his team to execute their ambitious growth plan,” said David Samuel, a Partner at Birch Hill.
With $2.0 billion in capital under management, Birch Hill Equity Partners invests in leading Canadian middle-market businesses. Birch Hill’s team has many years of experience working together as an active partner with top management teams in building long term value. Since 1994, Birch Hill has made more than 50 investments with 30 now fully realized.
Contact:
Pierre Schuurmans
COO
Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc.
416-775-3830
www.birchhillequity.com